Walking Wild Africa

Birdwatching has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing hobbies worldwide. In the United States alone, about 96 million people engaged in birdwatching in 2022, more than double the number in 2016, (Whats Got ‘Bird Nerds’ Chirping – Wall Street Journal) . Bird behaviour can be unexpectedly fascinating. Take the yellow weaver for instance (pictured below). Over four generations, researchers prevented a family of these birds from building their intricate, woven nests – an essential skill for their survival. Despite never witnessing or practising the construction process, the fourth-generation weavers, when finally given the opportunity, instinctively built their nests in the same intricate and species-specific manner as their ancestors (The Development of Nest-building Behaviour in a Waverbird” published in the Auk Journal).

Much like stamp collecting, birdwatching offers a sense of accomplishment with each new species observed. Initially, enthusiasts delight in spotting common local birds, but as their “collection” grows, the desire to seek out rarer and more exotic species intensifies. This progression transforms a casual pastime into an exciting and educational pursuit.

Birds captivate us with their diverse behaviours and adaptations, especially in Southern and Eastern Africa, where some of the world’s most fascinating species can be found. From the vibrant and energetic courtship displays of the male long-tailed widowbird, which leaps and glides to showcase its striking tail feathers, to the synchronized group dances of blue cranes, the national bird of South Africa, birds here have evolved truly unique behaviours. Then there’s the clever ingenuity of oxpeckers, hitching rides on large mammals to feast on ticks and parasites, or the remarkable weaver birds that construct intricate, woven nests hanging from tree branches to keep predators at bay.

These stunning displays of skill and survival offer endless wonder to the avid birdwatcher. Observing such behaviours not only adds to the joy of birding but also connects us to the complex ecosystems that support these incredible creatures.

Here are 8 of my favourite bird behaviours. If you’re not yet a birder you may just be buying your first pair of bino’s soon!

1) Mimicry: The Copycats of the Bird World

Most birdwatchers have been fooled at some point by a clever bird mimic, imitating the song of another species. For some birds, their entire repertoire is made up of sounds and calls borrowed from their avian neighbours. Some birds copy the sounds of other mammals such as parrots and some urban birds even copy the sounds around them such as the beep of a truck reversing!

Well known mimics in Africa include the drongos, chats, robin-chats, larks and indigobirds. 

The Sabota Lark is a true mimicry maestro, capable of imitating the songs and calls of up to 60 different bird species. In one instance, a single male was recorded mimicking 59 distinct songs and calls from 49 species – all within just 10 minutes! 

But why has mimicry evolved in birds?

1. Courtship: One theory suggests that mimicry in males may serve as a display of fitness. With his extensive and varied song repertoire, he signals strength, intelligence and adaptability, helping him outcompete rivals and attract potential mates.
2. Nest Protection: A great example of bird mimicry used to protect nests is seen in the fork-tailed drongo. These clever birds are known for their ability to mimic alarm calls of other species. When a predator or intruder approaches their nest, these drongos will often imitate the warning calls of other birds or even mammals, like meerkats (as above) to create confusion and frighten the threat away. 
3. Territorial: Male marsh warblers are known for their ability to mimic the songs of other bird species in their environment, which they often use this talent to assert dominance over their territory. By incorporating the calls of local species into their own songs, they make the territory seem “busy” with other species, which discourages potential intruders.
4. Safeguarding Food: Again, it’s our fork-tailed drongo friends that give us a great example of this, as seen in the video below. These clever birds use thier mimicry skills to exploit other animals, particularly when food is involved. For example, drongos have been observed following animals like meerkats or other birds as they forage for food. When the drongo sees an opportunity, it will mimic the alarm call of a predator, causing the meerats or birds to flee and abandon their hard-earned meals.

2) Brood Parasites: The ultimate deception

Certain bird species have developed a fascinating yet ruthless strategy known as brood parasitism, where they outsource the raising of their young to unsuspecting foster parents. This phenomenon occurs when a female parasite bird lays her eggs in the nest of another species, leaving the care and feeding of her offspring entirely to the unwitting hosts.

The process begins when the parasite bird, such as a cuckoo, waits for the host to leave its nest—often during a pause in incubation. In a matter of seconds, the parasite slips into the nest, lays an egg, and quickly flies off, never to return. Some brood parasites, like certain cuckoo species, even remove or destroy one of the host’s eggs before laying their own to ensure the total egg count in the nest remains unchanged. The host bird, unable to distinguish the imposter egg from its own, unknowingly incubates and raises the parasite’s chick.

As the intruding chick hatches, it often grows into a demanding fledgling, sometimes three to four times the size of its foster parents. In extreme cases, the parasite chick may eject the host’s eggs or kill its nestmates to eliminate competition for food. The foster parents, unable to recognize the deception, dedicate all their resources to raising the parasite chick until it is ready to fledge.

To ensure their offspring’s survival, brood parasites have evolved astonishing adaptations to deceive their hosts:

1. Egg Mimicry: Many brood parasites, like the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), lay eggs that closely resemble the size, shape, and colour of their host’s eggs.
2. Rapid Laying: Some parasites can lay an egg in mere seconds, compared to the few minutes it takes most species, reducing the risk of being caught.
3. Short Incubation Periods: Parasite eggs often hatch faster than those of their hosts, giving the chicks an early survival advantage.
4. Aggressive Behavior: Some adult parasites destroy host eggs or chicks before laying their own, while parasite chicks may eject or kill nestmates soon after hatching.
5. Mimicry of Chicks: Brood parasite chicks, like those of indigobirds and whydahs, have evolved mouth and gape markings that closely mimic the appearance of the host’s chicks, ensuring they receive adequate feeding.

Brood parasitism is an extraordinary example of the complex arms race between parasites and their hosts. While it may seem harsh, it highlights the incredible adaptability and evolutionary strategies of birds in their quest to survive and reproduce.

3) Anting: Some species will sit on top of ants’ nests! Find out why.

Many bird species, including crows, babblers, weavers, owls, turkeys, waxbills, and pheasants, engage in a fascinating behaviour known as “anting.” In fact, over 200 species of birds have been observed practising this behaviour.

During anting, birds will either actively pick up ants and rub them on their feathers or passively lie on ant nests, allowing the ants to crawl through their plumage. The birds deliberately provoke the ants, causing them to secrete formic acid which they do to protect their nests, however it is also believed to help repel parasites on the birds. 

Some theories also suggest that the ants may consume parasites on the birds’ skin and feathers. So, if you happen upon a bird sprawled on the ground with wings outstretched, seemingly luxuriating in an ant swarm, rest assured—it’s not injured; it’s simply indulging in a natural spa treatment!

4) The Greater Honeyguide: Nature’s Collaborator

The greater honeyguide (Indicator indicator) is renowned for its unique behaviour of leading humans to wild beehives. This mutualistic relationship benefits both parties: humans gain access to honey, while the bird feasts on the leftover beeswax and larvae. The bird attracts attention with a distinctive chattering call and actively guides its human partners to the hive’s location.

This remarkable partnership is especially prominent among certain African tribes. The Hadza people of Tanzania communicate with honeyguides using a specific whistle, significantly enhancing their efficiency in locating bee nests. Studies have shown that with the assistance of honeyguides, the Hadza’s rate of finding bee nests increases by 560%, leading them to higher yielding nests than those found without the birds’ help. 

Similarly, the Yao people of Mozambique employ a distinct “brrr-hmm” call to attract honeyguides. Research indicates that honeyguides respond more readily to these traditional calls, underscoring the co-evolution of communication between humans and birds. 

Beyond their collaboration with humans, honeyguides have evolved unique adaptations to support their wax-based diet. They possess specialised gut bacteria that enable them to digest beeswax, a trait rare among birds. Additionally, their tough skin provides some immunity to bee stings, allowing them to feed on hive contents with minimal harm. 

Cultural myths surrounding the honeyguide add to its enigmatic reputation. One prevalent tale warns that if a person fails to leave a portion of the honeycomb for the guiding bird, it will lead them to danger, such as a venomous snake, in future hunts. While anecdotal, such stories highlight the deep-rooted respect and caution humans have developed in their interactions with these birds. 

The greater honeyguide exemplifies a rare and intricate bond between humans and wildlife, showcasing a blend of mutual benefit, cultural significance, and evolutionary adaptation.

5) Jacana Parenting: The Bird Worlds Daddy Day Care

Jacanas are exceptional examples of role reversal in the bird world. Males take on the primary role of raising the chicks. After the female lays the eggs, her job is done, and it’s the male who takes full responsibility for incubating the eggs and rearing the young. He constructs the nest, typically a floating platform of vegetation, which is carefully camouflaged to protect it from predators. The male incubates the eggs for about 21-26 days, constantly adjusting the eggs’ position to ensure even warmth.

Once the chicks hatch, the father becomes their full-time protector and guide. Jacana chicks are precocial, meaning they are born with the ability to walk and forage soon after hatching, but they still rely on their father for guidance and safety. The male keeps a watchful eye on the chicks, teaching them to find food such as insects, snails, and small aquatic organisms.

One of the fascinating behaviours is how the male jacana shields his young from predators or harsh weather. At the first sign of danger, he uses his wings to tuck the chicks underneath, leaving only their legs sticking out—a clever way to conceal them while being ready to move quickly. If needed, he will transport the chicks across water or to safer areas using this same technique, even when they’re too young to fend for themselves.

This level of care and devotion is unusual in the animal kingdom, making the jacana an inspiring example of paternal dedication. For a closer look at this behaviour, watch this lovely clip.

Birds captivate us with their diverse and often surprising behaviours, from the mimicry of the Sabota Lark to the cunning tactics of brood parasites and the cooperative partnerships of honeyguides. The jacana’s devoted paternal care further showcases the extraordinary ways in which avian species have adapted to survive and thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting your journey into the world of birdwatching, exploring these incredible behaviours reveals the complex and fascinating lives of our feathered friends.

By understanding and appreciating these natural wonders, we deepen our connection to the world around us and recognize the intricate balance that sustains wildlife. 

Happy birdwatching!

Want to read more on birds? Here’s a few more of our blogs on the topic:

– Kori Bustard: Africa’s Largeest Flying Bird

– 6 Tips for Mastering the Art of Bird in Flight Photography